Keel plug-UPDATE

[Capt’nKarl]

Re: Keel plug--UPDATE

Postby Capt'nKarl on Thu Mar 10, 2016 9:08 am

The plug was put in the morning of 4 March. I screwed the plug in with my fingers to make sure it wasn't cross threaded and then a SLIGHT snug with a crescent wrench right before we left on our outing. We returned on March 6th and I tried to remove it. Sometime in that time frame Hercules visited to tighten it up a little more. Yesterday, after the plug had soaked overnight in penetrating oil, I got out the torch and heated the housing around the plug hoping this would expand it a little. I used a 6 point socket (at this point I still had a square head on the plug) and a breaker bar with extension. Nice snug fit. I said a little prayer and applied pressure. First, lefty loosey--nada, then a little righty tighty--nada. Back again lefty loosey with even more force--nada. So, I stopped, cursed a little, shed a tear or two and then took swig of rum (can't work on a boat without rum). Knotflying had mentioned the whole plug housing is held in place with 3 screws. I remember seeing them glow when I was using the torch. Thinking, if the plug is stuck and I take it in and out all the time these 3 screws that have NEVER BEEN REMOVED will strip and then what will I do. But I'm a stubborn SOB and don't give up easy so I got my ratchet screwdriver with the square bit and went back in for battle. THANKS Knotflying!! Each screw came out with only the slightest effort. They're short, maybe 15mm in length and looked almost brand new. Once the screws were removed the housing with frozen plug just pulled off! Imagine that! There's some chalking material on the hull to seal the plug housing so I cleaned the area and covered the hole with duct tape. Now I can really put some thought into getting the plug out! Thanks to everyone who had ideas, thanks again Knotflying. Any thoughts on resealing the plug back on the hull? I know I'm going to get slightly longer screws to reattach the housing. I will ALWAYS, ALWAYS use an anti seize compound on the keel plug and I will ALWAYS, ALWAYS, use a little rum to help me get through my boat journeys.

CHEERS!!

Karl

 

[knotflying]

Good work Karl! If you are successful in using the old parts clean the back of female threaded plate well. Clean the hull where it will be installed and scuff it up a little with emery cloth of sand paper and clean with acetone. Use Life Seal, 4200 or 5200 are overkill and will result in (hopefully not) difficult subsequent removal. I would suggest using a machine screw on one of the top holes long enough to go through the hull and be able to attach a bonding wire and nut. You went this far, complete the job so it is proper and provides protection.

Mike Rizzo

 

[elan]

Good morning Karl,
Shortly after we purchased our used 26 Cutwater I looked for a bonding wire for the plug. Could not find one, that bothered me as it's only a matter of time before you can say "electrolists"!, if you don't keep the boat in the water full time then it's a mute point, we keep the boat in the water full time.
We simply removed the plug & glassed in the hole, problem went away!
Best of luck,
Mike
2014 Cutwater 26
180hp yanmar
M/V Elan

 

[scross]

Thanks to this forum, I knew right away that since my keel plug was seized the quick solution was to take out the three garboard screws and replace the whole unit. In 6 years of 100% salt water time it doesn't look like the keel plug had ever been removed. Trying to get the painted over plug out = 5 minutes. Giving up and taking the screws out = 1 minute.
Thanks to all those that post easy solutions to our boat issues!

 

[andrew]

I used white plumber's teflon tape around the thread,when threading the plug back into the plug hole. This has worked well so far. Being a tapered plug, it is the same as a tapered thread plumbers use for much of their piping, and the teflon tape not only seals the water out, but also lubricates when removing the plug.
Andrew

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Thanks to all for the wise and thoughtful comments. It's reassuring to know I can always come to this forum for advise and knowledge. I purchased a new plug from West Marine. The area around the drain hole was thoroughly cleaned, scuffed up Life Seal applied to the new plug and secured with all new 1" SS screws. The new (and old) plug is brass. The old screws were SS. There was no evidence of any problem with the different metals. Should there be? Once the Life Seal has cured I'll repaint the hull and this whole ordeal will be put to rest and I'll wait for the next opportunity to have a swig of rum. Thanks again.

Cheers!

Karl

 

[Osprey]

Brass or bronze? Should be using bronze. SS screws are okay.

 

[bjp447]

I have been wondering about that plug and would like to have a spare. I pull the boat in the winter so I just leave the plug out so it drains (bilge pumps and I do not get along well).
Someone said they go one at West marine, do you have the particulars ie size, part number or some way to order that exact part.
I worry about drilling thru the hull, when I was putting in a seating plate for the bilge I figured I could just drill a short hole for screws, That hull is mighty thin in some areas
Thanks
Bruce
R21 in Marietta GA

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Bruce,
West Marine has an exact replacement part. We have a 2009 EC. Not sure if they use different sizes on different model tugs. It's a 2" (51mm) Brass Garboard drain plug assembly. Model 544494. It was about $12.00.

Get some Life Seal and new SS screws as well.

Cheers,

Karl

 

[scross]

The ones available at West Marine are brass. I was in the store yesterday and verified with them that they do not carry bronze garboard keel plugs. Go to Amazon and get a bronze unit for almost the same price.

Sea Dog 520040-1 Garboard Drain & Plug https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000R4UC16/re ... 7wbPC1PM7R